Lords report supports certification for biofuels
Wed 22 November 2006
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A new report from the House of Lords European Union Committee on biofuels concludes that a carbon certification scheme is desirable if CO2 saving is the primary goal of policy.
The Lords Committee says, however, that where a viable and expanding biofuels industry has been established, energy security has, up to now, been the primary objective.
The Committee says that as energy security becomes an ever greater political concern, demand for biofuels will grow, but is likely to concentrate on biodiesel.
On the relationship between climate change and the introduction of biofuels, the Committee says: "If CO2 saving is the primary goal, it is clearly illogical to use biofuels which have caused the emission of more greenhouse gases by their production than are saved by their consumption. We therefore consider some form of carbon certification to be desirable and we would wish to see the European Commission establish a European-wide system of certification for both imported and domestically produced biofuels and feedstocks."
The Committee's report says that, in terms of the carbon verification process, the onus should be on fuel companies to account for traceability rather than the exporting countries. The Committee calls on the EU to draw on best practice and establish a monitoring and assessment programme that encourages the environmental lifecycle performance of biofuels to meet minimum standards.
The Committee's recommendations conclude: "We believe that governments, farmers, fuel producers, car companies and oil companies must work together to create a stable biofuels market supported by long-term agreements. This in turn will strengthen consumer confidence and lead to greater awareness and acceptance of biofuels."
Related Links
House of Lords Biofuels link (download)
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